At the office of Sonrisa Family Dental, the care and comfort of our patients are our top priorities. Our goal is to help our patients enjoy optimal oral health and to keep them well informed every step of the way.
GETTING A DENTAL CROWN OR BRIDGE
- Tooth preparation and impressions
To fabricate and place a dental crown or bridge may involve more than one visit. In many cases, at least two visits are required. The first step in the procedure is to prepare the teeth slated for restoration. After preparation of the involved teeth, dental impressions are taken, and a temporary full-coverage crown or bridge is placed.
- Wait until the anesthesia wears off
Tooth preparation is typically performed under local anesthesia. Because the numbness may linger for a couple of hours following the appointment, you need to be mindful of what you eat or drink until full sensation returns. Enjoying hot or cold foods and beverages, as well as smoking while still numb, can cause unintentional injury.
- Sensitivity and soreness
Following the preparation of the involved tooth or teeth, you may experience some sensitivity and gum soreness. This discomfort typically subsides. However, since the fit of a temporary restoration is often less precise than the final permanent crown or bridge, you may still feel some residual sensitivity until treatment is completed.
- Your temporary restoration
Although a temporary crown or bridge also protects the underlying teeth, provisional restorations are far less durable than permanent ones. A temporary crown or bridge can easily break or dislodge. Until the permanent crown or bridge, it’s essential to be extra careful. If your temporary has come off, please hold on to it. Contact our office, and we will set up an appointment to recement it. Do not attempt to do this on your own.
- Continue to brush and floss as instructed
Remember to continue to maintain proper oral hygiene even while wearing temporaries. You may brush your teeth as before but be extra careful and gentle while flossing. If it is too difficult or problematic to floss around your new temporaries, you can abstain from flossing until your permanent crown or bridge gets cemented.
- Your permanent crown or bridge
Before cementing your new crown or bridge, the shade, contours, fit, and occlusion are checked. Once that is done, your new, permanent restoration is placed. Since you have been wearing a temporary, your bite may feel slightly different, and you may feel some pressure as the new restoration reestablishes appropriate contact with the adjacent teeth. If, after a couple of days, the bite still feels off, or discomfort persists, contact our office. You may still require a minor adjustment.
- Caring for your new crown or bridge
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We’ll show you how to floss under your dental bridge and to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. If you have any additional questions or concerns about your new restorations, feel free to contact our office.